Tuesday, September 10, 2013

How to Install an Aluminnum Backsplash in a Kitchen

An aluminum kitchen backsplash can add a sophisticated, contemporary vibe to your kitchen or vintage charm depending on the pattern and finish you choose. Either way, it's economical, easy to install, less time-consuming than tile, and will give your kitchen a fabulous new look.

Instructions

    1

    Measure your backsplash area and purchase aluminum panels that most closely match your height. For example, 18 inches between counter top and the bottom of your overhead cabinets is most common, so you would purchase aluminum panels 18 inches high to minimize cuts. Measure the total length needed to complete your backsplash and order at least 2 or 3 extra panels to allow for mistakes.

    2

    Many merchants offer stamped designs or patterns. Choose one you like for your backsplash, but try and keep the pattern repeat to 6 inches if you are working with a smaller area (like the common 18-inch height).

    3

    Use tin snips with pointed blades (wear protective gloves) to trim your first panel to fit (if necessary, perhaps to accommodate an outlet or light switch in the wall) starting at an outside edge of your backsplash. Once it's trimmed and dry-fitted to the wall to ensure a snug fit, coat the back of the aluminum panel with adhesive, like Acrylpro Tile Adhesive. Make sure you spread adhesive into the stamped designs for the best protection against dents.

    4

    Press the buttered panel firmly in place against the wall. Then, hammer decorative brad nails into each corner to hold.

    5

    Cut the next panel. There will be a 3/8-inch overlap channel to help lock the 2 panels together for a snug fit. Still coat the back with adhesive, making sure to coat the stamped design well, but this time add a bead of clear caulk to the overlap channel before securing against the wall. Once placed on the wall, add the decorative brad nails in the corners and continue with the rest of the panels.

    6

    Once all the panels are in place and secured with brad nails, apply a bead of clear caulk between the countertop and bottom of panels. Let dry completely.

    7

    Sit back and enjoy your new backsplash.

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